FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD The Bluff rhythmic gymnast, Hanna Faith Chengiah, is leaping toward her dreams, literally and figuratively, as she prepares to represent South Africa on the international stage. Hanna was selected to be the representative of the South African Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics Group during this June’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior World Championships in Bulgaria. The group qualified In two disciplines, clubs and hoop.

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For Hanna and her family the experience is thrilling and humbling. Raelene Chengiah, Hanna’s mother, said it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but funding has become a hurdle for the young talent’s dreams. The family has been tasked to raise R50 000 to fund essential expenses like flights, accommodation, competition registration fees, Protea team kits and transport.

Hanna belongs to The Glenwood Gymnastics Club, coached by Caron and Tayla Henry. She began training at four years old, and now aged 14 she trains 18 hours a week, a testament to her love, grit and commitment.

Raelene said Hanna’s hard work is already paying off.

“Hanna in recent years has placed first and in the top three in South Africa in her age group at the SA Gym Games held in Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively. Most recently in December she competed in Zimbabwe at the Region 5 gymnastics competition and her team placed first. They competed against five countries in Southern Africa,” said Raelene.

Hanna said since she was young, she used to watch people do gymnastics and developed a keen interest in the sport. She also cited opportunities like the chance to represent South Africa as her motivating factor to be better. “The fact that not many people have opportunities like this pushes me even more. I am grateful to be able to experience opportunities like this at such a young age,” said Hanna.

She added, “To be able to compete on the world stage at just 14 is the pinnacle of my career to date. It’s such an honour to represent South Africa on the world stage,” said Hanna.

Hanna said in preparation for the junior championships she will stick to her personal motto: “Never give up, keep on going, be the best you can be. Always believe in yourself because you got this, and you should always remember that,” she said.

Banking details

The Chengiah family is appealing to individuals and organisations to help make Hanna’s dreams come true. If anyone would like to support the community’s young talent they can deposit directly into Raelene’s Standard Bank account, account number: 0578 35187. Alternatively you can contact Raelene on 063 852 2896.

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